Explaining sim swap and how to stay safe

You wake up one morning, you still have your phone, your sim card still works. But your M-Pesa balance is zero. How the heck does that even happen? Now, this is called a sim swap and it's so common and so damaging because you don't realize what is happening until it is too late. There have been so many cases of sim swap over the years and I'm gonna insert a few screenshots so that you can see what I'm talking about. EIGHT ARRESTED OVER SH1.2M M-PESA FRAUD IN MARASABIT DCI NEWS / SAT, 07/04/2026 - 13:01 Detectives have arrested eight suspects linked to a sophisticated SIM swap scheme that allegedly siphoned more than Sh1.2 million from an M-Pesa operator in Marsabit. The suspects were intercepted at the Merille Barrier in Marsabit South while travelling in a white Toyota Probox, registration KDN 708Q, after detectives received information about criminal acts. Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects posed as customers at an M-Pesa shop in Marsabit Town, where they are suspected of deceiving the operator before swapping the M-Pesa SIM card. The fraudulent SIM swap enabled unauthorised access to the complainant's Bank account, resulting in the theft of over KSh 1.2 million. Eight suspects were arrested this year for M-Pesa fraud in Marsabit for over 1.2 million Kenyan shillings. Now, these people posed as customers at an M-Pesa shop and they distracted the agent. They swapped the M-Pesa SIM and then they gained unauthorised access to the complainant's Bank account and just like that, 1.2 million shillings gone. In January 2022, Peter Mwanzo, a senior Nairobi police officer, became a high-profile victim of mobile money fraud. Scammers replaced his SIM card remotely, transferred 597,100 Kenyan shillings ($4,575) from his mobile banking wallets, and took out hefty loans in his name — all while he had his phone on him. "I could not explain how it happened as I have never shared my PIN or personal details with anyone. This is madness. It seemed easy for the third party to use my SIM card," Mwanzo told the K high court months later while testifying against the suspected fraud according to local reports. In court, Mwanzo also pointed a finger at Safaricom, his cellphone provider. He said he couldn't understand how his SIM card had been so easily replaced and his accounts accessed remotely. "Safaricom his SIM card had been so easily replaced and his accounts accessed remotely. "Safaricom Over here we have example three, which was another case involving millions of Kenyan shillings where a lady's line was involved in a SIM swap and money was taken from her bank account. Almost had my Safaricom Simcard swapped! Rant Just had a disturbing experience with what I strongly suspect was a SIM swap scam. A guy with a local accent (Prolly sb from Rift Valley or Western, I can't remember the accent origin very well) called me, claiming my Safaricom number was registered to someone named Hellen Chepkemoi, but after "checking the records," they saw it's actually mine. He deflated asking how long I've had my SIM, I deflect this question by telling him I can't remember. He tells me to expect a message from Safaricom. The message doesn't come immediately and he keeps on confirming with me about twice or thrice. Strangely, I did receive a message, in the same inbox thread where I normally get legit Safaricom updates like bundle confirmations. This made it look authentic, but the timing and questions were suspicious. He asked what the message read, I confirmed it mentioned Hellen Chepkemoi, then he pivoted to asking about my last M-Pesa transaction. That was the final red flag - I remember this was the exact kind of info required when my stolen SIM, since I had lost my phone last year, my SIM cards last year, I blocked my SIM card after. When I went to replace my SIM card, the exact kind of questions I was asked immediately. He tried calling two numbers, ignored. Later, Truecaller flagged his number as spam, though it hadn't shown any warning when he first called. This was another red flag to me, because usually, Truecaller does identify to me who is calling me or just usually shows that blue pop up thing... Yet for this one it didn't. And yes, even the no called for the first time. I didn't pick up immediately, since I thought it was somebody whose I calls I was trying to avoid. I suppose that was enough time for that pop up thing from And this case is are everywhere. Even Reddit and you go right there you're gonna see multiple complaints of SIM swap cases. Now, how does this happen? Firstly, a fraudster will collect information about you. They can pretend to call you from Safaricom and ask you to verify your account or sometimes someone can ask you to physically give them your phone for a few seconds because that is all they need. Now, once they get control of your phone number, they can receive your one-time passwords and reset your accounts and access services that are linked to your mobile number. So, that being said, guys, Safaricom will never ask you for your PIN, for your one-time passwords or ask to handle your SIM card. In addition to this, here are a few things to keep in mind. Number one, don't use your date of birth as your PIN, kindly. Number two, don't write your PIN and keep it behind your phone case. People do this everywhere. I see this all the time. And going hand in hand with that, don't put your ID at the back of your phone. Don't put it in your phone case. People do this everywhere. I see this all the time. Also, dial star 100 star 100 hash to activate your Safaricom SIM swap protection. Happy learning.